Ana Portilla works as a clinical registered dietitian on the Pulmonary team at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Posted Oct. 19, 2026.

What have you been doing since completing your degree and RDN training?

Since completing my Master of Science and Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Washington, I have been working as a clinical pediatric dietitian at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I initially joined the Pulmonary team, a role that aligned closely with my training as a trainee in the UW Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC). In my role, I provide medical nutrition therapy to infants, children, and adolescents with complex medical conditions and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is partnering with patients and families to develop nutrition plans that are both evidence-based and aligned with their goals and values. The training I received at UW prepared me to approach nutrition care through a family-centered lens and to recognize families as essential members of the care team.

What unique opportunities did UW offer when you were pursuing your degree in dietetics?

UW’s location in Seattle provides students with access to outstanding clinical, research, and community nutrition experiences. Through the UW Pediatric Pulmonary Center traineeship, I received interdisciplinary training focused on caring for children and youth with special healthcare needs. The program emphasized family-centered care, teaching me to view patients and families as essential members of the healthcare team, while also fostering an understanding of health equity and culturally responsive care.

I also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Marian Neuhouser during a summer internship at Fred Hutch which exposed me to nutrition research and expanded my perspective on career opportunities within dietetics. These experiences, combined with access to leading healthcare and research institutions across Seattle, helped me develop professionally and build meaningful connections that continue to benefit my career.

How was the small cohort size beneficial to you?

The small cohort size made a tremendous difference in my experience at UW. It created a close-knit community where I developed strong relationships with my classmates and faculty. The professors were highly invested in our success and often connected students with opportunities that matched their interests and career goals. Those relationships not only enriched my learning experience but also helped me build a professional network that continues to support me today. The collaborative environment fostered by the small cohort made me feel valued as both a student and future professional.

Tell us about the training or connections you made during the program that assisted you in securing a job?

The training and professional connections I developed through the program played a significant role in helping me secure my position at Seattle Children’s Hospital. My participation in the UW Pediatric Pulmonary Center provided specialized experience in pediatric care while introducing me to interdisciplinary and family-centered models of practice. Through my supervised practice experiences and interactions with faculty, preceptors, and healthcare professionals, I was able to build a strong professional network. Those connections, combined with the excellent training I received, helped me successfully transition into my role as a pediatric clinical dietitian.

Describe your nutrition experience prior to our program, and how the MS program complemented your previous learning.

Prior to attending UW, I was a registered dietitian in Mexico and worked at the National Institute of Perinatology, providing nutrition care to high-risk pregnant patients. I have always been passionate about maternal and child health, which ultimately led me to pursue graduate studies at UW. I sought both to further my nutrition knowledge and to complete the requirements necessary to practice as a dietitian in the United States.

While my previous education and clinical experience gave me a strong foundation in nutrition care, the UW program expanded my clinical expertise, strengthened my skills in evidence-based practice, and provided valuable experience within the U.S. healthcare system. Equally important, the program and the Pediatric Pulmonary Center taught me to deliver care through a family-centered and interdisciplinary approach, where families are recognized as key partners in decision-making. I also gained a deeper understanding of health equity and the importance of providing culturally responsive and equitable care. These experiences have had a lasting impact on how I practice as a pediatric dietitian today.

Are you interested in studying nutritional sciences as a graduate student? Explore programs and RDN training offered in the UW Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health program.